Junior Premier Hockey announces 2014 Indoor U14 Division

After two years of success, Junior Premier Hockey is looking forward to the start of the 2014 Junior Premier Indoor League (JPIL) with the inclusion of a few exciting additions.

As a result of USA Field Hockey’s announcement that the U-14 National Indoor Tournament (NIT) will nearly triple in size plus the regular requests JPIL receives regarding the specific age group, the addition of a U-14 Division has been implemented to the 2014 JPIL. This will give the younger age group the opportunity to play in the same competitive and well-organized environment on a regular basis as their older teammates prepare to compete for success at the NIT.

Marple Sports Arena in Broomall, Pa. has been secured as the host site for the U-14 Division. The Sportsplex at Feasterville and at Pottstown, Pa. will continue to be the host sites for the U-16 and U-19 Divisions.

Invitations have been sent out to the top identified U-16 and U-19 Clubs. Participation in these two divisions is strictly invitation only. The entry deadline is October 1.

Participation in the U-14 Divisions is open to all clubs on a first-come basis and is limited to 24 teams maximum, with a limit of two teams per club. The entry deadline is October 15.

The Junior Premier Indoor League was created by Nigel Traverso and Rachael

Bloemker Milne who recognize the need for a well-organized and competitive indoor league, whereby the top indoor youth clubs have the opportunity to compete against each other on a regular basis over the course of the indoor season. Participation in the JPIL will provide all athletes and coaches with a high level of competition that will help prepare them and their club for success at the NIT qualifiers, NIT Championships and beyond.

It is JPIL’s intention to have some of the best indoor umpires and managers, selected by Steve Horgan, USA Field Hockey Director of Umpiring, at this premier event.

“The JPIL is a high level, well-organized event that allows for umpires to enhance their skills, timing and knowledge of the game,” said Steve Horgan, USA Field Hockey Director of Umpiring. ”This event allows us to recognize the potential of a number of umpires and managers, and are working on moving them up the ranks."

"We are excited to see the growth of the JPIL with the addition of a U-14 division for 2014, providing structured field hockey experiences for younger athletes," said Steve Locke, USA Field Hockey Executive Director. "On behalf of USA Field Hockey, I wish the Junior Premier Indoor League and the participating teams the best of luck this season."

A special thanks to Princess Hockey USA, the Official Sponsor of the Junior Premier Indoor League.